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Nearly 50% of all children have engaged in sexual
activity by the time they finish high school. For many of these young
people, their sexual activity may have been a one-time or short-term
event. Nonetheless, even one sexual encounter may lead to terrible
diseases, pregnancy, emotional or social stress, guilt and the initiation
of other risky behaviors. Below are ten steps that researchers have
identified for parents to help their children avoid sexual activity.
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Guard against single
dating - encourage group dates. Early and frequent single
dating is a warning sign to parents.
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Monitor your child's activities and friends.
Children who are not monitored are more
likely to make bad choices with friends and activities.
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Get your children involved in church activities and
become involved yourself.
Religion is a great motivator for sexual purity.
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Teach your family's religious and moral values
concerning sexual activity.
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Spend time talking to your children about intimate
issues (including sexual issues)
so they feel comfortable turning to you, rather than their peers or
other outside
sources.
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Help your child make a plan on how to get out of
awkward situations if they get
trapped. Be ready to assist In the plan in whatever way you can.
Remember, most
teens regret sexual encounters, they just didn't know how to say
"no" when they
were faced with the situation.
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Discuss the messages being sent by movies, ads and
television regarding sex.
Help your child distinguish between true love and sex.
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Talk about diseases, pregnancy and other negative
consequences associated with
sex outside of marriage.
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Do not permit significant age differences in dating.
Mature dates are often more
experienced and tend to Pressure younger adolescents.
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Talk with your child
about future goals and education plans. Children with goals
tend to engage in sex less.
For more information or help, please call:
MASTERPEACE Center for Counseling and
Development
308 S. Maumee Street, Tecumseh, MI 49286
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517-423-6889
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www.mpccd.com
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